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Dexter T. Rexter

Don't Forget Dexter!

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Introducing Dexter T. Rexter, the toughest, coolest dinosaur ever. At least he likes to think so.

When his best friend, Jack, leaves him behind at the doctor’s office, Dexter T. Rexter panics. First he tries to find Jack. Then he sings their special song. Then he sings their special song even louder. But when Jack still doesn’t appear, Dexter starts to wonder. What if he’s being replaced by another toy? It can’t be—after all, he can STOMP, RAWR, and CHOMP! Right? Right?!

This hilariously neurotic dinosaur will do whatever it takes to get his friend back—even asking the reader’s advice—in this first book of a brand-new series.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

477 people are currently reading
853 people want to read

About the author

Lindsay Ward

46 books237 followers
Lindsay Ward has a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. Her most recent books include It’s Show and Tell, Dexter! and Don’t Forget Dexter!, books 1 and 2 in the Dexter T. Rexter Series with Two Lions. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians (Two Lions, 2017), The Importance of Being 3 (Dial 2016), Rosco vs. the Baby (S&S, 2016), Henry Finds His Word (Dial, 2015), a Choose to Read Ohio Book, When Blue Met Egg (Dial, 2012), and Please Bring Balloons (Dial, 2013), which was produced into a play by the New York City Children’s Theater in 2017. Her work has been reviewed in Kirkus Reviews, Publisher’s Weekly, and the New York Times. Lindsay is currently working on a new board book series, I Go!, with HarperCollins, due Summer 2019 and This Book Is Gray, a new picture book with Two Lions. She is the founder of Critter Lit (www.critterlit.com), a free picture book manuscript and illustration critique service for up-and-coming authors and illustrators. Lindsay lives in Peninsula, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and dog. Visit her online at www.lindsaymward.com or follow her on Twitter @lindsaymward.

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5 stars
1,330 (50%)
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634 (24%)
3 stars
395 (15%)
2 stars
141 (5%)
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133 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
1,014 reviews80 followers
March 30, 2019
He thought Jack was gone.

Poor Dexter thought Jack had left him but after his song. He returned. Seems Jack had left Dexter in the waiting room at the Drs office
Profile Image for Jasmine from How Useful It Is.
1,654 reviews379 followers
October 16, 2021
Read for my toddler’s bedtime. Dexter the T-Rex was waiting for his friend Jack to come get him. He was pretty much panicking and worrying that Jack had forgotten him until at the last possible second Jack showed up.

Read from kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Stuart.
106 reviews11 followers
December 24, 2017
Dexter should see a therapist

This dinosaur has some serious anxiety and abandonment issues.

The book was entertaining, my son liked to look at the pictures, and it was short enough to get through in a couple of minutes, before he stopped paying attention.
Profile Image for Lynn Worton.
868 reviews32 followers
March 27, 2018
This is a super little story for children aged 3-7 years old. I really enjoyed it!

Dexter is a toy dinosaur belonging to a young boy called Jack. He finds himself being left alone at a doctors office. Will he find Jack, who has been gone forever? Has Jack found another friend to play with?

This story is an interactive one that will entertain children, even those with a short attention span. However, I have reservations about a child's ability to read this book without help, especially the younger age range, due to the different font usage - from smaller to larger fonts, and the use of capitals. Having said that, depending on the reading ability, a child shouldn't have too much trouble in understanding the story due to the simple, concise, and engaging language the author uses. This story would make an entertaining bedtime story, but due to the interactive parts, not entirely a quiet read either. This could excite a child rather than settle them down for the night. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the story and the ending was rather sweet.

Lindsay Ward has written a wonderful children's book about a neurotic toy dinosaur. I love how she tells a story in part rhyme, which makes it engaging for children. I would consider reading more of her books in the future, even though I am not her target audience.

I highly recommend this children's book to children aged 3-7, and adults who are looking for an entertaining read for their youngsters. - Lynn Worton
Profile Image for Juliana.
902 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2017
What an adorable and sweet book. It's a story about a toy T-rex that has been left at the doctor's office by his best friend Jack. He's afraid he's been abandoned and he spends the whole book figuring out a plan to get back to him. It reminds me a bit of Toy Story and the illustrations are super cute. Every time the T-rex sells himself as this big, scary creature, you see the actual scale of him and can't help but smile.
Profile Image for Nicole.
16 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2019
Dexter is so cute! I don’t even have children, the drawings caught my full grown attention. Although I don’t think I need to explain myself. I mean, who doesn’t love a neurotic dinosaur with abandonment issues?
Profile Image for Mehsi.
14.8k reviews443 followers
April 1, 2022
A fun story about a small dinosaur toy who loses his owner! Dexter was forgotten!


I just cannot resist books about dinosaurs… well, OK, the non-fiction stuff I am bit hesitant about these days, but I do love a good picture or children’s book about a dinosaur! And this one sounded adorable and I loved the promised interaction with the reader.

Meet Dexter. Or as his full name is, Dexter T. Rexter (yes, epic name). He has lost his owner, Jack. And he is asking us the reader if we can help him! Telling what has happening, or well, what he remembers as things happened very suddenly and even drawing us a picture (which was just hilarious to see as he doesn’t have the skills, at all XD). As an older reader I knew what had happened, or well I had an idea already, but I was looking forward to Dexter realising it himself, or someone realising it for him.

It gave me serious Toy Story vibes. This is a dinosaur toy who can think/worry/apparently move and talk as well. He loves his owner dearly and there is even question if his owner has left him, but just like Buzz would say, he is too epic to be abandoned. Insert all these cool features, who wouldn’t want that as a toy (and he is right, I want a Dexter toy now).

As the story continues we see Dexter try all sorts of things and my heart just broke for the little fella. Again, like I said before I knew what had happened, and I just wanted to step in, hold him until his owner would come back!

The ending just made me smile! That was so cute! Expected, but still a very good one~

The art was tons of fun and I love the bright orange colours everywhere to match with Dexter.

All in all, looking for a cute book about a toy looking for his owner/playmate? Be sure to check this one out. Adults and kids will love it~

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Baby Bookworm.
1,642 reviews106 followers
January 15, 2018
https://thebabybookwormblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/10/dont-forget-dexter-lindsay-ward/

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Don’t Forget Dexter! by Lindsay Ward, the adorable tale of a little lost dinosaur looking for his best friend.

Excuse me, but have you seen a little boy named Jack? You see, he came here to the doctor’s office to get a check up with his best friend, Dexter T. Rexter, but now Dexter is here alone and can’t find his best bud. Dexter has done everything he can think of to find Jack: he’s looked hard, asked the receptionist and the fish in the fish tank (neither answered him), he even sang their special song really loud! You don’t think – Jack wouldn’t have left Dexter on purpose… would he?

Wonderfully cute. Dexter is the toy that every child has – they one they can’t live without, yet always manages to get misplaced once a week – and makes an adorably endearing hero in this lost and found story. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and give Dexter a lot of personality in his expressions and movement. The text is fun, using fourth-wall breaking dialogue and plenty of onomatopoeia to keep little ones invested. And don’t worry, the story has a happy ending, and can be used to teach children the importance of keeping tabs on their prized possessions (especially their beloved stuffed pals). The length is perfect, and JJ absolutely loved the “owange dinosawr!” This one is a great mix of fun and feeling, and we liked it a lot. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
Profile Image for Laurie.
880 reviews
January 9, 2018
Interest Level: K-3; Reading Level: 1.6

How would you feel if you were a loyal toy and you were left in the waiting room of the doctor's office? This is exactly what happens to Dexter T. Rexter. He was coloring with his best friend, Jack, when he looked up and Jack was gone. Dexter begins asking the reader, the fish, and he even tries to ask the receptionist where Jack is. He even begins singing their favorite song (very loudly) to get Jack to come back. What is Dexter going to do if Jack never comes back to get him? Read this fantastic book to see what happens to Dexter!!

This is one of the cutest, funniest books I have ever seen!! You know when the cover of the book has humor on it, you will be in for a treat. Kids reading this will laugh out loud as you read this. I know this book will not stay on my shelf once I introduce it to my kids!!

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

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Profile Image for Heidi.
2,878 reviews64 followers
January 16, 2018
Dexter T. Rexter is afraid he's been forgotten by his boy, Jack. One minute they were playing together and the next, Jack is gone. Dexter tries anything he can think of to find Jack. He sings his song, he tries to escape, he asks the fish and receptionist for help, but he can't find his boy anywhere. He's afraid that his boy has found a toy with better features to play with (like a car). Finally, despair takes over and Dexter fears he's alone forever. This bright colorful book with it's large readable text makes for a delightful read aloud. Losing a toy is a common childhood experience, but I haven't seen it told from this point of view before which makes it a clever way to talk about fears. The book is humorous as well as Dexter's panic reaches hilarious levels. But he doesn't give up!
Profile Image for Kellee Moye.
2,904 reviews335 followers
February 19, 2018
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...

I love the voice of Dexter in this book! And the breaking of the fourth wall really adds such humor to the story line. And although the story sounds a bit like Toy Story and other toy books, it is so different than what you’d expect because Dexter is all alone, doesn’t know why he’s still at the doctor’s office, and is having a bit of an identity crisis. However, the way that Dexter feels will be easily a feeling that readers will relate to because anyone who has ever felt left out from something will feel like Dexter does.
Profile Image for Charles  van Buren.
1,908 reviews294 followers
December 3, 2017
Fun but simple, December 2, 2017

This review is from: Don't Forget Dexter! (Dexter T. Rexter Series Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

Our nine year old daughter and I read this book together using two Kindles. I read, she sang the songs and did all of the sound effects so we had fun even though the book is really too simple for a nine year old. Comments from her: I really liked the song and making the sounds. My favorite part was when he fell in the fish tank. I had a lot of fun reading it.

We downloaded this book through Kindle First now called Amazon First Reads.
Profile Image for Brenda Kahn.
3,804 reviews60 followers
January 22, 2018
Any parent of a child who has lost a comfort object of toy will want to share this adorable picture book with his/ her child. Told from the POV of the lost object, the story will tickle everyone with it's humorous illustrations and over-the-top narration.
Profile Image for Alex  Baugh.
1,955 reviews128 followers
January 17, 2018
We all know what happens when our children lose a beloved toy. But what about the toy? How does a beloved toy handle being lost? In Don't Forget Dexter!, Brobarians author Lindsay Ward explores this, and the result is both humorous and touching.

Dexter T. Rexter thinks he is the toughest, strongest, coolest dinosaur there has ever been, or at least that's what he tells himself after he is left behind by his best friend Jack at the doctor's office. Scared that he will never see Jack again, Dexter does everything he can think to get back to his friend. In a bit of meta-fiction and a state of panic, Dexter turns to the most available person for help - the reader, explaining that he and Jack were coloring and then Jack was gone. But when the picture of Jack that Dexter colors doesn't help, he turns to the office fish, then the receptionist, but they aren't helpful, either.

What can a scared dinosaur do to bring his best friend back? Of course, sing their favorite song, over and over, louder and louder. but...still no Jack. Then, Dexter has the scariest thought of all - what is he were left behind on purpose. replaced by a new best friend.

Could that be possible? Will Dexter's story have a happy ending?

Dexter is a wonderful "every toy" character and I loved reading his story, remembering a certain day I almost had to dumpster dive to find a beloved lost toy. Dexter's panic and desperate search for a way to be reunited with Jack should ring true to any parent whose child has lost their favorite toy.

Young readers will also find this pretty funny, perhaps seeing themselves in Dexter's anxiety and insecurity, recognizing his despair and the sadness he feels that he may never get to do the things he loves doing with Jack ever again - no more fun, no more Jack.

Ward's colorful illustrations, created using printmaking ink, colored pencil, and cut paper, reflect the story well, adding to the fear and tension of being lost and emphasizing Dexter's smallness in relation to the world abound him.


So how did Ward come up with the idea for Don't Forget Dexter!?
According to her, she was inspired to write this book after her husband texted her a photo of a toy dinosaur abandoned at a doctor’s office. The caption read: “Well, they left me here.” Lindsay thought it was so funny that she sat down to write Dexter’s story immediately. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians, Henry Finds His Word, and When Blue Met Egg. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play.

Most days you can find Lindsay writing and sketching at her home in Peninsula, Ohio, where she lives with her family. Learn more about her online at www.LindsayMWard.com or on Twitter: @lindsayward

Don't Forget Dexter! is the first book in a new series for Lindsay Ward. You can expect to see the next Dexter story, It's Show and Tell, Dexter! later this year.
Profile Image for Villain E.
3,925 reviews19 followers
May 28, 2019
Dexter is a toy, but that's not clear. There are no screws or joints to indicate it. And this is a children's book, so a tiny dinosaur in a human world is not out of the ordinary.

Anyway, Dexter gets left behind at a doctor's office and gets worried. Was he forgotten? Or worse, was it on purpose? He gets scared and has a bit of an identity crisis. I think it's supposed to be funny? But I don't think it gives any kind of lesson for kids with anxiety.
Profile Image for Madeline .
1,989 reviews131 followers
December 3, 2017
Part of my Amazon Prime free book preview.

The pictures were cute-ish, and the dinosaur was heart warming. I really felt bad for him.

Profile Image for Ambisaurus Rex.
381 reviews24 followers
May 23, 2018
My son loved it

My son and I had some mom/son time this morning and decided to give Dexter Dino a shot. Needless to say we loved it. Dexter Dino has such a cute art style and was a very easy, straight forward read. Perfect for my 6 year old.
4 reviews
December 16, 2018
1 year old approved

Had the kiddo laughing from the beginning.maybe his favorite New book. It's a good short story. We both love the artwork as well.
Profile Image for Mandy | bookiesncreme.
435 reviews32 followers
February 17, 2019
This is one of those books that expects reader interaction. The concept is cute, and potentially enjoyable for young readers; however, the story fell short.
Profile Image for Tina King.
5 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2019
Child bedtime story

Granddaughter loved the book she liked all the illustrations as well as the hysteria of being left alone. Good read for the young ones
Profile Image for Cherie.
Author 27 books117 followers
December 6, 2017
What a cute children's book! Dinosaurs are so much better than cars. RAWR!
Profile Image for Gina.
Author 5 books30 followers
July 31, 2018
This is one of those interactive books, where the text implies that the child is talking to the book. I personally do not like those kinds, but for fans of Toy Story, it is that kind of story.
Profile Image for Beth .
622 reviews65 followers
January 2, 2018
Cute book! I was able to be very expressive while reading aloud because the words flowed. This is the first ebook I have ever read to my son. We usually read hardbacks so it took me a second to realize we had to hold the Kindle sideways. haha! Lovely experience.
Profile Image for Cynthia  Gutzwiller.
1,778 reviews22 followers
May 5, 2019
This is a very good story that will prick at your heart. Dexter is looking for his best friend Jack. While he was coloring, Jack lef.t. Where is Jack? He drew a picture. He sang their song. He is the toughest dinosaur that has ever been. What else can Dexter do? Where else can he look?
Could he love anyone like anyone but, Dexter? Reading is how you find out the answers. You get to be a detective and go on a Dexter hunt. Good Luck. I know you will be successful.
The pictures are beautiful and large. The words are easily readable and bold. There are words your tyke will be able to pick out and read themselves. How cool. It is sorrowful on how much he misses Dexter.
I found this book on a website for free for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books87 followers
December 8, 2017
Don't Forget Dexter! ~ Dexter T. Rexter Series ~ Book 1 is an excellent children's book to use to talk about the importance of friend's feelings with young children. The illustrations are delightful... The problem with the eBook version is that you have to have one of the latest Kindles to read it because it will not download into older Kindles or the Kindle reading application on the computer. I am lucky to have a newer Kindle, although I usually read with my older and larger sized Kindle. It really is a five star book but because of the limited ability to download to all Kindles, I felt this created a problem for many readers and they should know about the limited download availability for older Kindles.
Profile Image for SoNyA.
12 reviews
February 25, 2019
My kids loved this book

Great for my 2 year old, my 5 year old loves it too! Looking forward to more books about Dexter
Profile Image for Emelita Vargas-Anderson.
Author 0 books5 followers
June 19, 2021
Cute Dexter!

It was a cute book for little kids. Illustrations are super colorful and very nice. It’s very catchy especially Dexter!
Profile Image for Hannah.
6 reviews
February 9, 2019
I really, really enjoy reading Dexter with my grandsons!

My grandsons really enjoying singing along with the Dexter songs and the wonderful sounds of this book. It is one of our favorites
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews

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